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Bob Filner Gets Slap on the Wrist

Former San Diego mayor avoids jail time

By Tony Perry

 

A Superior Court judge Monday accepted the major terms of the plea bargain of former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, sentencing him to 90 days of home confinement with no jail time.

Filner pleaded guilty in October to a felony charge of false imprisonment and two of misdemeanor battery, all involving women.

Under terms of the plea bargain, Superior Court Judge Robert Trentacosta ordered Filner to serve 90 days of home confinement starting Jan. 1. He also reduced his city pension and fined Filner approximately $1,500.

The judge placed Filner on probation for three years. If he violates probation, he faces a year in jail, the judge ruled, adding that Filner cannot seek office during his probation.

While on probation, he will wear a GPS monitor so police will know if he leaves his home for anything except for medical appointments, religious services or court appointments.

None of the three victims, listed only as Jane Does 1, 2 and 3, opted to make a "victim's impact statement." If the victims request restitution for damages, a hearing will be held, Trentacosta said.

In a brief statement, Filner offered an apology to his family, staff, supporters and to "the women I have hurt and offended."

The 71-year-old Democrat said his misbehavior toward women "will never be repeated." He said he will work to regain the public's trust.

"I look forward to making further contributions to the city I love," Filner said.

The prosecutor, Deputy Attorney General Melissa Mandel, told Trentacosta that Filner's actions offended and demeaned the three victims and hurt San Diego. She said some of the victims had come to meet Filner to discuss public issues and instead were treated disrespectfully.

Filner used "the power of public office" to demean and scare women. "Filner sold himself to voters as a champion of civil rights" but his actions showed him to be different, Mandel said.

In the felony case, Filner grabbed a woman in a headlock. In the misdemeanor cases, Filner kissed one woman and grabbed another on the buttocks.

Filner was elected a year ago to succeed termed-out Republican Jerry Sanders. He was the first Democratic mayor since Maureen O'Connor, two decades ago.

Almost immediately, Filner's brusque, confrontational style caused controversy at City Hall. He proclaimed repeatedly that he meant to shake up what he saw as an entrenched power structure that catered to the interests of a downtown business clique.

He feuded with City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, a Republican, over issues involving marijuana, seals on the beach at La Jolla and a controversial case charging a graffiti sloganeer with vandalism.

The conservative editorial page of the local newspaper blasted nearly his every move and ridiculed him in cartoons.

In July, when the first accusations of sexual harassment became public, it took only six weeks for Filner to be forced into resignation.

In the beginning, Filner sought to survive the controversy by admitting his behavior had been wrong and enrolling in a therapy program. He vowed to return to City Hall and be "the best mayor I can."

In a resignation speech Aug. 23, he was alternately sorrowful and defiant, taking responsibility for his misbehavior toward women but then complaining that his political enemies had fueled a kind of lynch-mob mentality in the press and public. His resignation became effective Aug. 30.

The charges were brought by the state attorney general's office. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis had bowed out of the case, citing a conflict of interest; Dumanis had been eliminated in the 2012 primary race for mayor.

(c)2013 Los Angeles Times

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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